A shocking incident in Uttarakhand has resulted in the loss of 15 lives, including a policeman and three Home Guards, as a bridge railing got electrified after a transformer exploded near Pipalkoti village in Chamoli district. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the site and promptly ordered a magisterial inquiry to investigate the tragic occurrence.
The affected bridge is an integral part of the sewage treatment plant under the Namami Gange project, which is focused on conserving the Ganga river and combating pollution. The bridge spans the Alaknanda river, and the incident took place last night, according to Chamoli Superintendent Of Police, Pramendra Dobhal.
Initially, the authorities received a call about a security guard’s electrocution. However, upon further inspection, it was discovered that 22 people had suffered severe injuries due to electrocution, resulting in the tragic loss of 15 lives. Seven others remain in critical condition and are receiving medical attention in hospitals.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced compensation of ₹ 5 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹ 1 lakh for each injured individual. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also communicated with Mr. Dhami to assess the situation and offer support.
Speaking about the incident, Chief Minister Dhami stated, “We have received news of a grim incident in Chamoli district. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered. Rescue teams, including the State Disaster Response Force, are at the spot. Helicopters have been made available to shift the injured to bigger hospitals.”
Rescue efforts are in full swing, and helicopters have been utilized to transfer the injured to the All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Rishikesh for medical treatment.
Assistant Director General of Police (law and order), V Murugesan, assured that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the cause of the tragic event.
The Namami Gange project, an integrated conservation mission to combat Ganga pollution and revive the river’s health, is linked to the bridge where the incident occurred. The electrification of the bridge has raised questions and concerns, prompting authorities to take swift action to uncover the facts surrounding this devastating incident.
As the rescue and investigation efforts continue, authorities and the community are left grappling with the profound loss of lives in this tragic accident.
Sources By Agencies
